Moths of North Carolina

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View PDF	Geometridae Members:	Lytrosis Members:	16 NC Records

Lytrosis heitzmanorum Rindge, 1971 - No Common Name

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Taxonomy

Superfamily:
Geometroidea

Family:
Geometridae

Subfamily:
Ennominae

Tribe:
Angeronini

P3 Number:
91a1202

MONA Number:
6722.00

Comments: This strictly North American genus contains four species all of which occur in North Carolina.

Species Status: Barcodes indicate a single species since North Carolina specimens barcode as conspecific with those of the mid-west. All of our species are easily separable using barcoding.

Identification

Field Guide Descriptions:

Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD

Adult Markings: One of three very similar species which have been confused frequently, but which can be distinguished by following the course of the postmedian line on the forewing. If it is straight, the species is Lytrosis unitaria, if it is wavy it is either L. sinuosa or L. heitzmanorum. Then check the hindwing and look for a black, somewhat broad median line indicating it is L. heitzmanorum and not L. sinuosa.

Adult Structural Features: As with the related genus Euchlaena, the genitalia rarely have clearcut differences; the genitalic features given in the review of the genus (Rindge, 1971) do not work well.

Structural photos

Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.

Immatures and Development: Life history is unknown.

Distribution in North Carolina

Distribution: Originally described from the mid-west, we have recently obtained records from both the foothills of the Blue Ridge and the Piedmont in North Carolina. We have not yet found any from the Coastal Plain where L. sinuosa appears to be restricted. Mountain records unknown but would not be unexpected at lower altitudes; eastern boundary unknown.

County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.


Flight Dates: High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft. Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft. Piedmont (Pd) Coastal Plain (CP) Click on graph to enlarge

Habitats and Life History

Habitats: Found in oak-hickory forests in the western Piedmont of the state.

Larval Host Plants: Larval hosts are apparently unknown, but oak seems likely. - View

Observation Methods: Comes to lights readily but probably not to bait. Has a short flight period so without the new moon during its flight period, it can easily be missed.

Wikipedia

Status in North Carolina

Natural Heritage Program Status: W-PK

Natural Heritage Program Ranks: G5 SU [S1S2]

State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.

Comments:

Photo Gallery for Lytrosis heitzmanorum - None

Photos: 6

	Recorded by: David George, Jeff Niznik on 2024-04-29 Chatham Co. Comment:		Recorded by: David George, L. M. Carlson on 2022-05-15 Orange Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2018-05-29 McDowell Co. Comment:		Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2018-05-28 McDowell Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2018-05-28 McDowell Co. Comment:		Recorded by: Steve Hall on 2015-05-13 Orange Co. Comment: